Better Care at Lower Costs
Should I Have a Test (such as a Blood Test, X-ray, CT Scan, or MRI) to Diagnose My Health Problem?
Don't agree to any medical test until you understand how it will help you. For more information, see the topic Smart Decisions: Know Your Options. The only good reason to do a test is because the benefits to you outweigh the risks and costs. No test can be done without your consent.
Medical tests are expensive. If you need a test, do your part to make sure that you do not have to repeat it. The tips below can make a big difference:
- Follow instructions about how to prepare. Are you supposed to stop eating the night before? Not drink alcohol? Stop taking medicines, or take a special medicine? Get written instructions from your doctor or nurse, and follow them. This reduces the chance of error and the need to repeat the test, which saves you money. Before you have a medical test, look it up on this Web site so you know more about the test and what you need to do.
- Keep a copy of the results. Get a copy of the full test results, even if they are normal. Do not assume that no news is good news. If you do not hear from your doctor, call to get your written test results. This helps in three ways:
- It makes sure you have the results if you later need to compare them to past or future tests.
- You have a backup record in case you see a different doctor who does not get your test results from your previous doctor. If you can provide a copy, he or she may not have to repeat the test.
- Having the results helps you better understand what's going on with your health.
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| Author: | Katy E. Magee, MA Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: July 31, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine | |
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